3 Days In La Fortuna Costa Rica

Searching for a great 3 Days La Fortuna Itinerary for your trip to Costa Rica?

We can help! To make the most of your La Fortuna adventures, we’ve created a 3-day itinerary that includes some of the best & more unique things to do here.

La Fortuna and the surrounding region of Arenal include Arenal Volcano National Park, Lake Arenal, and many Volcanic Hot Springs. There are numerous hiking opportunities, places to spot wildlife, as well as spas and hot natural waters for relaxing in.  

From walks around the volcano to bird watching, traversing hanging bridges, ziplining and spotting sloths in the treetops, it’s all possible. If you are planning a Costa Rica Road Trip Itinerary, La Fortuna should be part of it!

Where is La Fortuna Located?

La Fortuna is located in Costa Rica’s Northern Zone. Sitting just 4 miles (6.4 km) from the Arenal Volcano, it is part of the Alajuela province. 

Things To Do in La Fortuna & Arenal

There’s a huge amount of activities to choose from and enjoy in La Fortuna and Arenal.  If you love nature and being outdoors, it’s a perfect spot. 

Our 3-day itinerary gives you lots of ideas to make the most of your time. Activities are flexible so swap them around between your days if you wish.  

Also, if you can stay longer, do! We have listed some extra activities you might consider during a longer visit.  Or combine La Fortuna with 4 Days In Playa Grande and Tamarindo Pacific Beaches.

Day 1 – Hanging Bridges, Bird & Volcano Hikes

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is a highlight of La Fortuna and a perfect place for a morning’s adventure.

📍Combine Bird and Hanging Bridges Early Morning Hike Tour

Born out of a family’s commitment to protect this area of outstanding natural beauty, they partnered with a company to create the bridges and trail system you can enjoy today.

The park has documented over 300 species of birds including both local and migratory birds.

➡️ We suggest a combined guided hanging bridge and bird observation tour. This is very popular so book in advance.

Note: Visitors need to sign an online disclaimer before arrival which is about your safety and protection of the park. You will receive this upon booking.

The main trail at Mistico Park is 3.2km.  Along the way, you cross ten fixed bridges and six hanging bridges.  If you enjoy hanging bridges you can also enjoy them in Monteverde.

Read our 3 Days in Monteverde post for more on this other popular Costa Rica destination.

What To Spot In The Park

Starting at 6 am, with stunning panoramic views looking out to Arenal Volcano, expert guides point out rare species of plants, birds, and animals. Wildlife is so well camouflaged and we would never have spotted them all on our own. 

From golden tanagers to black-cheeked woodpeckers, crested guan, broad-billed motmot, hummingbirds, toucans, parrots, and honeycreepers there is much to spot.  Look out for families of coatis at the entrance.

In our group of 8, we had plenty of opportunities to ask questions and take photos as well as pause to watch wildlife.

You’ll also see a 60-foot waterfall and take in superb views of the volcano.

If you would prefer a self-guided hike, buy an entry ticket and explore the forest at your own pace. Seek out wildlife and flora as you stroll along the well maintained trail. Use the Mistico Park Trail Maps to plan your route. 

Accessible Trails

The park also offers an accessible trail of 1.5km (1 mile) along a non-slip concrete path. With protective handrails and free of steps, this makes it suitable for both baby strollers and wheelchairs. 

If required, rent an electric scooter at the park to use on this trail. 

To arrange transportation to the park, email the park or advise your accommodation who can arrange this.

After an early morning tour, choose to wander around the park on your own for a while. Alternatively, head back to your hotel for a late breakfast/brunch.  

We suggest advising your hotel of early morning tours as they may be happy to provide a late breakfast/brunch on your return. 

Late Morning and Afternoon

📍Relax At Your Hotel Pool

After an early start (if you have taken the 6 am tour), enjoy some relaxation time at your hotel.

Many hotels including Los Lagos Resort and Spa where we have stayed have several hot spring spa pools.  Pools receive their water supply directly from volcano-fed springs or natural rainwater so it’s incredibly refreshing. 

📍Go for a hike 

Created in the early 1990s Arenal National Park covers 46.81 square miles (121.24 square km). The park is home to rainforests, waterfalls, a variety of wildlife, two volcanoes, and a lake. Wherever you are in La Fortuna, you are close to the Arenal volcano.

If you choose to stay at the Los Lagos hotel, take a hike directly from the hotel grounds. It’s 2.8km uphill but takes you to an impressive viewing point of Arenal Volcano. 

The climb, which will take about an hour to do, is steep. However, views on a clear day of the volcano base and lake are worth it. 

Look out for wildlife as you climb and descend.  It was here we spotted toucans perching in the branches, lots of butterflies and monkeys.   

Explore La Fortuna

📍Check Out La Fortuna Town

However, if a hike isn’t for you, wander into town. Spend the afternoon getting a glimpse of daily life or checking out the shopping.  Fruit stalls are impressive loaded with watermelons, bananas, and mangoes.

Alternatively, head to a local butterfly garden. The closest in town is La Fortuna Butterfly Garden or if you have transport, drive to Danaus Gardens.

📍Stroll in Ecocentro Danaus Butterfly Garden

Only 4.5km outside of La Fortuna, you will find Ecocentro Danaus Butterfly Garden.  Book in advance and allow an hour for your self-guided tour. You will see many different butterflies and learn about their fascinating lifecycle.

The reserve also offers guided bird watching tours, night tours, and the ‘Maleku’ tour. With the latter, you’ll learn about the customs and traditions of the indigenous people of Costa Rica.

As evening approaches, drop into any of Main Street’s lively bars for Happy Hour before dinner. Scroll Down for our list of suggested places to Eat in La Fortuna.

Day 2 – Seek out Sloths and Relax in Hot Springs

📍Hike in Bogarin Trail Reserve & Spot Sloths

La Fortuna has several locations that offer nature trails and some have sloth habitats. We suggest checking out the Bogarin Trail, a private reserve in the town that has free secure parking on site.

We recommend coming at 8 am as it is quieter at this time. There are lockers, a souvenir shop, and a small cafe at the entrance with toilets. 

Despite its closeness to Route 142, once inside the trail, you are immediately surrounded by rainforest trees, amazing wildlife, flora, and fauna. The trail is well marked with maps to guide you.  

Self or Guided Tour?

Guided Tour: If you like the ease of transportation, a guide with a telescope for better viewing, and a refreshment after your tour, check out this Bogarin Guided Tour option.

Self-Guided: If you’ve already been on a guided tour, you’ll have picked up lots of tips on how to spot the wildlife. Don’t feel you always need a guide. This trail is an easy 2.5 km walk along flat paths and we enjoyed the self-guided experience.

Whichever tour you choose, spend a few minutes at the reception area of the trail. Enjoy watching wildlife at the small pond, bird feeders, and benches.  It’s amazing how much you can spot just in this tiny area.  

As you explore the reserve, don’t miss the Arenal volcano viewpoint for a great photo stop.   No animals are enclosed in the park so there is not a sloth section as such.  However, keep looking up as they live high up in the trees!

We were lucky enough to see 5 sloths including a mother and baby only days old.  

Purchase some ‘Spotter’ pocket leaflets to use on self-guided tours. It’s fun to match sightings with what’s in your guide.  You can find them in local shops or buy them online before you leave home.

📍Relax in Volcanic Fed Hot Springs

Depending on how long you stay at the park, enjoy the rest of your day at one of the Hot Springs Resorts for some relaxation.  There are many to choose from if your hotel does not offer this facility. There is even one that is FREE! 

Hot Spring Options

Tabacon Hot Springs  -10km from La Fortuna, is one of the most popular in the area.  Day passes give you access to more than 20 natural pools and cascades from 10 am-10 pm. Cost: Adults $89; Children $47.

Paradise Hot Springs – located 5 km/3 miles from La Fortuna also offers a day pass to its 8 natural hot pools.   Open 11 am -9 pm.  Basic day pass costs are Adults $47 and Children $33.  

Eco Termales is 3.5 km from La Fortuna, this location offers a hot springs experience that is not part of a hotel.  Open 10 am – 9:30 pm with a cost of $45 for adults with reduced rates for children.  

Google Maps Directions to El Choyin Free Hot Springs  These are very close to the Tabacon ones and because they are free (apart from a parking charge of $10), they are popular. 

Bring your water shoes.  You can also hike around here so if you are looking to combine a bit of hiking with springs, this is an ideal location. There are no lockers here so be mindful to look after your valuables. 

Dinner and shopping in La Fortuna

After a busy day, choose one of our recommended places to eat for dinner.

Later, enjoy browsing in some of the local craft stores. There are some lovely wooden souvenir shops and a large one just on the outskirts of La Fortuna. Here’s a Google Maps Link to the Original Grand Gallery.

Day 3 – Explore Lake Arenal and La Fortuna Waterfall

You can either start your day at La Fortuna Waterfall and then head to the Lake or vice versa. At peak times the waterfall can get busier later in the afternoon.

📍Enjoy Water Activities on Lake Arenal

Lake Arenal is the largest lake in Costa Rica at 85 square kilometres. It is 30 km in length. Originally natural, it tripled in size in 1973 with the building of the Presa Sangregado Dam.    

The lake is extremely popular with water enthusiasts and offers many sports including paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, and fishing.   Plan to spend at least half a day around or on the water. 

Getting to the Lake

Many local tour companies offer trips to the lake which include transportation. You can book these directly in La Fortuna or online.

➡️ Check Lake Arenal Tours Availability and Prices

If you have transport, make your own way to the lake. But call ahead to check availability for all sports and boat tours and for specific parking directions.  

Using WhatsApp or email is popular in Costa Rica for making bookings. We’ve listed a range of popular activities below with contact numbers for each.

Things to Do at the Lake

🎣 Go Fishing. Lake Arenal contains mainly Rainbow Bass (Guapote), Tiger Bass, mojaras, and tilapia. With Lake Arenal Fishing, choose from a 5 or 10-hour trip.  

Prices start at $290 for two people for the half-day tour. Additional adults $70 up to a maximum of 5 per boat. Includes equipment, instruction, beverages, and snacks.

Check timings when you book via their website or call +506 8811 2928. Booking ahead of time is required.

⛵Rent a Boat. Why not explore the lake on a small boat, kayak, or paddleboard? Go at your own pace and enjoy the natural beauty and views of the volcano around you.

We suggest trying Arenal Boat Rental Association to hire boats and other equipment. Open daily from 8 am – 6 pm they are located 35 minutes from La Fortuna (23km).

Check prices as these vary upon how long you rent. Call +506 8389 2989 for more information.

🚵 Go Lakeside Mountain Biking

If you want to cycle around the lake Pedal and Paddle Adventure Store is a good location around 40 minutes from La Fortuna. (26 km). They also offer kayak and paddleboard rentals.

Check rental costs and book directly by calling +506 2479 0020.

🌋Cycle on Water

Try riding a bike on the lake with Water Bike Tours. It’s certainly a different way to enjoy the volcano and mountain views.  Open 8 am – 8 pm. Their facility is around 40 minutes from La Fortuna (26km).

Check rental costs and make reservations by calling +506 8456 3000.

🏄‍♀️Adrenaline Water Sports. For more extreme sports, including water skiing, water tubing, or wakeboarding (like snowboarding but on water) try Volcano Watersports. They offer lessons with experienced instructors.

Paddle boards and kayaks are also available to rent from $55 for 2.5 hours. Located around 40 minutes from La Fortuna (26 km). Open: 8 am -5 pm.

Call ahead to check availability and rates at +506 8761 8080.

Half Day Activity

📍Visit La Fortuna Waterfalls for Hiking and Swimming

La Fortuna Waterfall is located 5 km/3 miles from the center of the town. If you are driving back after some time at the lake, it’s an easy stop to make before you reach town. Google Maps Link to La Fortuna Waterfall Parking.

Free parking. Other facilities include lockers, a restaurant souvenir shop, toilets, and showers. 

The hike is not long but there are 530 steps to climb both up and down. Railings are there for your support.  You are not restricted on time once you have purchased your ticket. Take time to enjoy nature as you descend to the waterfall.  

Swim or at least dip your toes in the water pool at the bottom of the falls.   Some horse-riding tours include a trek to the waterfall and allow time for a swim here. Scroll down to our other activities section for more details on this.

Visit the Orchid Garden

When you arrive back at the reception area, visit the Orchid Garden. It is included in your entrance fee.  There are around 200 species of orchids here for you to enjoy.  

For those unable to climb steps, there is access to a viewpoint where you can see the waterfall.  There are no steps to navigate around the Orchid Garden.  

Other Activities Around La Fortuna

If you are staying longer in La Fortuna, there is plenty to do. We’ve listed several other activities for you to pick and choose from from full to half-day tours. 

Also, check with your hotel for suggestions as there may be special events going on during your stay.  

📍Hike Trails at Arenal Volcano National Park

At the park, there are 3 trails to hike which you can do self-guided. The main trail is Sendero Coladas also known as the Lava Flow Trail.  It is a flat route of 2 km to observe the volcanic cone, Lake Arenal, and Tilaran mountain range.  Google Links Map to Arenal National Volcano Park

Other trails to hike are the Heliconia Trail and the El Ceibo Trail. Look out for a 400 year old Kapok tree on the latter one. The closest view to Arenal Volcano is at Mirador also referred to as The Lookout. 

Pre-book a tour with an operator in La Fortuna/your hotel if you want a guide. These will be more expensive.

Can you climb the Arenal Volcano?

Climbing the volcano is illegal.  It is still very active with steam, vents, and a molten core. The last eruption was in December 2010. 

There is another volcano in the park which is called Chato Volcano which is dormant.  Hiking here is not recommended as the pathway is eroded and parts of it closed.  There is no visitors centre nor are maps posted to guide you.    

📍Take a Traditional Cooking Class

Costa Rican food is delicious – think tortillas, gallo pinto, casados. 

If you fancy finding out more about how to cook their traditional dishes, learn at a cooking class using local ingredients. 

Google Maps Link to El Fogan de Chela 8km from La Fortuna.

➡️ Check here for Availability and Prices

📍Go Horse Riding

This is a popular activity in the area with the option to trek along quiet backroads, through fields, and the rainforest.  Most hacks will take in the Arenal volcano views. 

Check Horseback Tours With a Visit to La Fortuna Waterfall.  

Check the routes and choose the tour/trek that suits you best.  We’ve listed two options below but there are others.  Ask your hotel for their recommendations too.  

Arenal Wilberth Stables 

These stables are at the foot of Arenal Volcano so you have views of the lake and volcano as you ride.  Reservations required. Book via the WhatsApp link on their website.

Alberto’s Horses offer ride options to La Fortuna Waterfall or a Farmland Trek. Book by calling +506 8392 4825.  

Places to Stay in La Fortuna

We suggest staying a little out of town at one of the many beautiful resorts that have views of Arenal Volcano. This makes it easy to relax or enjoy hikes during the day and head into town for dinner and evenings.

📍 Lomas del Volcan – a popular and affordable well-run resort where you can stay in a bungalow. Many have great views of the volcano park. People rate hotel facilities including a pool & access to hiking trails. 3.5km from the town.

📍 Los Lagos Resort and Spa. Great mid-range option resort with hot springs, an on-site Spa, and a swim-up Wet Bar. A large resort spread across 1000+ acres with an onsite shuttle to some rooms away from the main hub.

Rooms are huge with inviting patios and superior rooms have incredible views of the volcano – weather permitting!

📍Nayarit Gardens – a stay offering luxurious indulgence where the service is first class. They recently added tents that surpass what you can expect on any safari, earning Nayarit another hotel award! 

Places to Eat in La Fortuna

We enjoyed drinks and meals at the following places and recommend them as a good variety of options:

Mercadito – designed like a marketplace place, these roadside food stalls offer freshly made casual food at decent prices.  Our ‘must try’ dishes include mushroom tacos and their sushi plates. 

Maria Bonita Steak House – we came here because of the top reviews. Although it’s a little pricer than others, the meat eaters in our group loved the steak and wine here.

Casa Fortuna Restaurante Familiar – always popular due to consistently good food and cocktails. You can instantly tell this is a family-run restaurant offering quality and they have pride in what they do.

If you love a happy hour or cocktail bar, you will find many dotted on the main streets of La Fortuna. Two we sampled are Voodoo Bar & Cocktails and Lava Lounge on Main Street. The live music at Lava Lounge is fun!

Where to Park in La Fortuna

If you head into La Fortuna for activities or to eat, use the secure central 24-hour staffed car park. This is where you can park your car without any concerns.  Google Maps Link to La Fortuna Car Park.

Be mindful about driving at night.  Although the town is well-lit, roads just outside of the town have quite poor (or no) road lighting! There are also large drainage ditches which are hard to see in the dark.

Taxis are plentiful and your hotel or restaurant will be happy to organize them.

How to Get To La Fortuna Costa Rica?

By Plane: 

There are two international airports in Costa Rica – San Jose (SJO)  and Liberia (LIR). Once you arrive in Costa Rica, La Fortuna is accessible by various modes of transportation.

There is the option to take a 30-minute connecting regional flight from San Jose to La Fortuna with Sansa Regional Airlines. The airstrip is in the small village of El Tanque, about 15 minutes from La Fortuna.  Then connect to your hotel by taxi. 

Sansa Airlines also flies from Liberia with a flight time of 40 minutes. If you don’t want to drive yourself from the airport, there are a range of shuttle transfer options available. 

➡️ Check here for Availability and Prices Of Flights to Costa Rica.

By Road:

Driving from San José Airport (SJO) takes around 3-3.5 hours and from Liberia (LIR) takes approximately 2-2.5 hours. 

From San Jose, there are two main roads to follow which together cover a distance of 116 km.  Follow Ctra. Interamericana N/Ruta 1/Route 1 and Ruta Nacional Treciaria 702 to Av. 325 in La Fortuna.

From Liberia drive via Ctra. Interamericana Ruta 1 and then take Ruta Nacional Secundaria Route 142 to La Fortuna.  The distance is 134 km. 

If you are planning to visit La Fortuna/Arenal as part of a longer trip around the country, our Costa Rica Road Trip Itinerary has a fantastic 2 week route. This includes La Fortuna with time in Monteverde and Playa Grande.

FAQs

La Fortuna/Arenal is a very popular destination when visiting Costa Rica. 

Here are common questions that people ask about visiting La Fortuna and the Arenal region and our answers to these.

Is it worth going to La Fortuna?

In our opinion, yes.  There’s lots of variety in activities and certainly plenty to see and do.  If you like hiking, you can hike around the volcano area and various forest reserves.

If you prefer to relax, soak in the hot springs or venture to La Fortuna waterfall. For more water sports and cycling trails head to Lake Arenal. And for wildlife enthusiasts, there’s much to spot from sloths to toucans, hummingbirds, howler monkeys and butterflies. 

Will I see sloths in La Fortuna?

La Fortuna is one of the most popular places in Costa Rica for spotting sloths.  To see them, we recommend you go to one of the organised sloth trail parks. 

Choose from a guided or self-guided tour.  Sloths can be tricky to see as they like to hang out high up in the trees but be patient and look carefully.  

If you are short of time, choose a guided tour as experts in the park are familiar with the sloths and their location.   

➡️ Check out this Bogarin Guided Tour option.

Are Arenal and La Fortuna the same place?

There is not a town here called Arenal. When people talk about Arenal, the place they are referring to is Arenal Volcano, Arenal National Park, or Lake Arenal.  

La Fortuna is the town which lies at the foot of the volcano.  It was once a little farming village but with interest in travellers wanting to see the volcano, it has grown into a busy tourist spot.  

Is it better to stay in Monteverde or La Fortuna? 

Honestly, they are both fabulous places to visit in Costa Rica and if you have time, do both.  If not, it is a personal preference as to which one to go to. 

Monteverde

Monteverde has a unique cloud forest ecosystem with a focus on nature and conservation. People go there to experience this and to see incredible wildlife, flora and fauna. 

Weather wise, it is one of the cooler spots in Costa Rica. This is because of its high altitude but the misty skies make this extra-special.  The mountain town of Santa Elena is the base here for travellers. 

Read our 3 Days Monteverde Itinerary for suggested activities!

La Fortuna

La Fortuna is lower lying than Monteverde so is warmer. It attracts those who enjoy wildlife and the outdoors and those who want to see Arenal Volcano.

Bathing in hot springs and enjoying water-based activities around Lake Arenal are other attractions of this area.

The town of La Fortuna is much bigger than Santa Elena in Monteverde. If you prefer resort-type accommodation and a wider choice of restaurants, you may prefer La Fortuna.  

Wrap Up

La Fortuna and the region of Arenal offer a stunning mix of adventure and natural beauty. The Arenal Volcano takes centre stage and its surrounding lush rainforests create a place where wildlife flourish.

Throw in a mix of hiking, zipping, and relaxing in natural hot springs along with the activities on the lake, you have a location that will make any visit here unforgettable.

We hope our 3 day itinerary has inspired you to visit this region and help you plan your own adventure to this amazing part of Costa Rica.